Young gymnast stretches for the stars
The national games take place at the Durban University of Technology from 25 to 29 September.
Amanzimtoti gymnast, Amy Dickin, 12, is hard at work preparing to dazzle the judges at the National Gymnastics Games in Durban during the September holidays. Amy made the cut along with a number of her Fusion Rhythmic Gymnastics Club mates after a sterling showing at the KZN provincial qualifier on 24 August.
In the level four U13 category, she claimed first overall. “It felt good to win,” said the Grade 7 Amanzimtoti Primary School learner. “It showed that all my hard work was worth it.”
Her and teammates Danielle Chandler, Emma Frank and Erin McCalgan placed second overall for their ball group. Danielle also claimed second overall in the level four U11, while Emma scooped fourth. Erin finished fourth overall in level four U13, Oratile Moumakwa second overall in level five U11, Sibahle Masango sixth overall in level five U13 and Ashton Hanna second overall in level seven O15. Oratile, Sibahle, Ashton and Zas Mkhize placed third overall for their club’s group.
The girls are coached by club leader, Jess Odendaal, who will judge at the national competition. Amy started doing gymnastics in Grade 5, keen to emulate her mother Maureen. She also plays squash, has recently started guitar lessons and loves gardening, especially food tunnels.
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“What I like about gymnastics is that I can do most of the flexible moves like splits, kick-overs, ring kick, side balances and rotations. The difficulty is to finish turns.” The young athlete trains for two hours, twice a week and tackles as many competitions as she can to hone her skills.
The national games take place at the Durban University of Technology from 25 to 29 September, and Amy will rep-resent her province with pride while wearing the KZN colours. “I’m so excited to be taking part in a national competition. I don’t know how well I will do, because I don’t have any idea of how good my competition is going to be. I’m excited to wear my new black and white leotard for the first time.”
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